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YMCA Dives Into Aquatics Project

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By TOM BRENNAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2008

BLOOMINGDALE - Local YMCA officials hope to make a splash with a new aquatic center they want to open this summer.

"We're hoping by June, this summer for sure," said Cindy Sofarelli, executive director of the Campo Family YMCA.

The county Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation is kicking in $992,000 toward the $1.6 million project.

"We don't have any pools, but we realize the need for those types of facilities," said department spokesman John Brill.

The rest of the money is coming from a bequest from longtime Brandon businessman, philanthropist and the YMCA's namesake, Ray Campo, who died in 2006, and other local donors.

"Ray always called this 'the toy for kids' and wanted to see it come to life," Sofarelli said. "He gave us a jump-start to fund the whole project."

The YMCA has a 75-foot-by-75-foot heated pool.

The plans call for adding two additional pools at the south end of the facility at 3414 Culbreath Road.

One will be a plunge pool with a three-flume slide, 40 feet long by 20 feet wide and about 4 to 4 1/2 feet deep.

When children aren't plunging into the new pool, Sofarelli said, it can be used to for water fitness classes, swimming lessons, water therapy or water safety classes.

The other pool will be more of an aquatic playground, 2,954 square feet with a play structure, spinning spray nozzles, water dumping buckets and other waterspouts.

"All the things children like to do," Sofarelli said. "It will be great for toddlers and young families.

"We think it is critical for extending our services and our ability to serve more children and families."

The YMCA broke ground on the new pools Wednesday. County commissioners approved a contract with the YMCA and the financial contribution Feb. 6.

The arrangement is similar to one the parks department struck with the Bob Sierra YMCA in Northdale in 2006.

Because public funding is involved, Brill said the county insisted the YMCA provide use of the facilities on a sliding fee schedule or offer scholarships.

"Not all people can afford to pay the monthly fee," he said. A family membership is $125 to join and $77 monthly. Adults pay $100 to join and $50 monthly.

Fees are reduced for children. Sofarelli said the YMCA also offers reduced fees.

"No one has ever been turned away because of their ability to pay," she said.

She said the aquatic center was something Campo wanted. He also donated the land on which the YMCA was built in March 2001.

Sofarelli said plans also are under way for a second exercise room, expanded family fitness center and a youth and teen wing. She said there is no timetable or funding for those projects.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 657-4528 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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